This is a toy ray gun called the Daisy Zooka Pop Pistol. It has the same appearance as the Buck Rogers XZ-35 "Wilma Deering" Rocket Pistol of 1935 except for the colors and was re-issued by the same company in 1952. This practice, of "resurrecting" toys with new lithography allowed toy companies to introduce new models without doing all of the development and retooling work necessary to create an entirely new toy.
Fictional space heroes often carried space-themed versions of the Western's ever-present six-shooter or rifle. As a result, for several generations, pretend gun play with ray gun toys formed a central part of many children's imagined space adventures. Exactly how one blasted space enemies often reflected the newest technologies. In the late 1940s, "atomic" guns proliferated. "Laser" guns followed the creation of the practical laser in 1960.
Collector Michael O'Harro donated this toy ray gun to the Museum in 1993.
Display Status
This object is on display in James S. McDonnell Space Hangar at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, VA.
Object Details
Country of Origin
United States of America
Type
MEMORABILIA-Popular Culture
Manufacturer
Daisy Manufacturing Co.
Dimensions
3-D: 17.8 x 3.8 x 12.7cm (7 x 1 1/2 x 5 in.)
Materials
Overall, pressed metal, probably copper
Inventory Number
A19970784000
Credit Line
Gift of Michael O'Harro. Restrictions Unknown, Trademarked Daisy Manufacturing Co.
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
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